Francia Square, Lima

Plaza Francia, located in the center of Lima, is an enchanting urban square that blends history, culture, and modern life. Decorated with a wealth of historical elements, picturesque architecture, and a bustling atmosphere, Plaza Francia stands as a symbolic gateway to Lima's past and present, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the city's unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Plaza Francia, a key part of Lima's history, served as a crossroads in pre-Hispanic times. It later housed a Dominican retreat called "La Magdalena" with a baroque church, which tragically burned down. In 1884, the French Congregation of the Sacred Hearts rebuilt the church in neo-Gothic style, featuring spire-shaped towers and a lasting rose window that still adorns the square.

In 1893, a school was founded next to the church by the French religious order of the Sacred Hearts. It became known as Lima's most prestigious institution, teaching prominent families' children and emphasizing French culture and language. Raúl Porras Barrenechea and other notable intellectuals attended. In the early 20th century, the school expanded with a second floor. Father Jorge Dintilhac, the Superior of the Sacred Hearts and a Frenchman, established the Catholic University of Peru on March 24, 1917, within its walls.

In the center of Plaza Francia stands the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French community to commemorate Peru's centenary of independence. Crafted in bronze by René Bertrand-Boutée, the statue portrays a laurel-crowned woman holding a torch in her left hand and a laurel palm in her right. The usage of the torch in this Statue of Liberty draws inspiration from Bartholdi's iconic Statue of Liberty in New York (1876).